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Surprised Finn not only meets hero Batman but has a spin in the Batmobile

IT was a huge, holy surprise for our brave fighter Finn O’Donovan when Batman turned up in his resplendent Batmobile at Panania Public School.

Finn O'Donovan buckles up for his ride with his hero in the Batmobile.
Finn O'Donovan buckles up for his ride with his hero in the Batmobile.

IT was a huge, holy surprise for our brave fighter Finn O’Donovan when Batman turned up in his resplendent Batmobile at Panania Public School.

Seven-year-old Finn — who suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) — was speechless when he saw Batman at his school on September 10.

His sheer delight in shaking the hand of the renowned crime fighter and then being driven around the streets of Panania in the famed Batmobile was worth all the secret work done by his family, friends and the awesome Fight for Finn Foundation.

Finn O'Donovan and Batman with parents Rebecca and Ross and siblings Nia and Ella at Panania Public School.
Finn O'Donovan and Batman with parents Rebecca and Ross and siblings Nia and Ella at Panania Public School.

In March, this year, Finn was made a honorary NSW police officer for the day and appeared on national news as the boy who saved Easter.

The foundation, started by five friends last year to help Finn’s family pay for ongoing care and also to raise awareness of DMD, has raised a staggering $145,000.

Batman and Finn O'Donovan get ready for their drive.
Batman and Finn O'Donovan get ready for their drive.
Finn O'Donovan shows his sheer delight.
Finn O'Donovan shows his sheer delight.

DMD is a disease which attacks all muscles of the body.

His parents, Ross and Rebecca and his siblings Nia and Ellawho also attend the same school, said it was a special day for him.

Finn with a member of the dog squad when he was made a honorary police officer for the day on March 6. Picture: John Feder.
Finn with a member of the dog squad when he was made a honorary police officer for the day on March 6. Picture: John Feder.

“It came as a complete surprise to Finn to see Batman though we knew about it because it was organised by one of my best mates Joshua Cook,” Ross O’Donovan said.

Honorary officer Finn O'Donovan rides alongside a highway patrolman at during his special day at a Rozelle park in. Picture: John Feder
Honorary officer Finn O'Donovan rides alongside a highway patrolman at during his special day at a Rozelle park in. Picture: John Feder

“Finn loves Batman and loves watching all his movies.

“Meeting Batman was fantastic because Finn needs this experience in his life.

“This is the attention he needs.”

Finn and his friends check out the Batmobile.
Finn and his friends check out the Batmobile.
Batman chats to a surprised Finn O'Donovan
Batman chats to a surprised Finn O'Donovan

Finn was diagnosed with DMD two years ago and Mr O’Donovan said the diagnosis came out of the blue.

Carla Condoluci, Louise Weir, Belinda Basha, Melanie Burnicle and Natalie Summerland, all mums at the same school, began the Fight for Finn Foundation and regularly raise funds.

“The O’Donovans are a beautiful family who are always willing to help others in need,” Ms Weir said.

Rebecca and Ross O’Donovan with committee members of the Fight For Finn Foundation at the black tie fundraiser: Carla Condoluci, Louise Weir, Belinda Basha, Melanie Burnicle and Natalie Summerland.
Rebecca and Ross O’Donovan with committee members of the Fight For Finn Foundation at the black tie fundraiser: Carla Condoluci, Louise Weir, Belinda Basha, Melanie Burnicle and Natalie Summerland.

“Their pure love for their Finn and their girls Ella and Nia has given them the strength and determination to ensure no stone is left unturned in their mission to give Finn the best quality of life available.

Finn O'Donovan in the Batmobile.
Finn O'Donovan in the Batmobile.

“It is the community’s love for the O’Donovan family that has inspired our passion to raise money and support them on this journey.”

History of the Batmobile: trailer

The foundation held a successful; black tie fundraiser last year and a Mother’s Day high tea, which helped it provide valuable assistance to Finn’s family.

The foundation’s next major fund-raising event will be at the 2019 Ironman at Port Macquarie, where around 30 residents, including Finn’s dad, will tackle the different events.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/the-express/surprised-finn-not-only-meets-hero-batman-but-has-a-spin-in-the-batmobile/news-story/a3ff012848326fb296ea930707a5f6e2